More changes are coming to the county-wide public transportation system, according to officials.

Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation, the region's public bus agency, announced it was replacing several low-ridership bus routes with its on-demand KRTplus service beginning July 20.

The changes affect Route 11 (Wertz Avenue), Route 16 (South Park) and Route 18 (Fort Hill/Montrose). KRT will also discontinue fixed-route service to Northgate, Hillcrest Drive and the YMCA on Route 10. The agency said traditional bus service on Route 10 will continue to serve City Park and Renaissance Village.

KRT officials said the changes will help the transit agency better match service with rider demand while continuing to provide public transportation in those areas.

"By transitioning lower-demand areas to KRTplus, KRT can operate more efficiently while continuing to provide reliable transportation options for passengers," the agency said in a statement.

The route changes come as KRT faces financial challenges. Last month, the KRT board approved a budget that was projected to be $1.9 million short, requiring the agency to use money from its $11.3 million reserve fund.

KRTplus already serves the affected areas and allows riders to schedule trips on demand instead of following a fixed bus schedule.

This is not the first time the transportation agency has transitioned fixed-routes to its KRTplus service.

In October 2025, the agency eliminated fix-route service to portions of South Hils and Beech Avenue. The agency also expanded on-demand service to three new zones at that time.

KRTplus now serves West Charleston, East Charleston, South Hills, Southridge, Kanawha City and South Charleston.

Riders can use KRTplus to travel within a service zone or connect to KRT's regular bus network. A KRTplus trip costs $1.50. Passengers who pay through the Transit app or a KRT Blue Card can transfer to a fixed-route bus for free within 60 minutes.

KRTplus also offers transportation to and from West Virginia International Yeager Airport and provides paratransit service for eligible riders.

More information about KRTplus, including how to schedule a ride, is available on the KRT website.

Free America 250, Regatta shuttle service 

KRT has also announced plans to offer free shuttle service during the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta and West Virginia's America 250 celebration.

The service will operate July 2-5 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day, giving visitors another way to travel to downtown Charleston without searching for parking.

KRT will run shuttles from two locations:

  • Patrick Street Plaza to the Charleston Town Center area
  • The West Virginia Culture Center to the Charleston Town Center area

Shuttles are expected to arrive about every 30 minutes throughout the day and evening.

The annual Sternwheel Regatta draws thousands of visitors to downtown Charleston for live music, food, family activities and fireworks. This year's celebration also coincides with events marking America's 250th anniversary.

KRT officials said the free shuttle service is designed to help visitors travel more easily between parking areas and downtown event activities.